And see, now you're going after me. You just can't play nice, can you? Really, I don't know why you take every discussion so personally. Why so angry?

Not angry. Just illustrating a point: You demand respect, but issue none. Now, I suggest we stop hijacking TLAM's thread.

As an equal participant in the theft I will take your advice. Big Thanks.

Getting back to the thread...

This is a good thing...a bit screwy in terms of budgets yes, but it's sending out a signal to Israels neighbours that the US is still Israels ally and if they thought that things had changed recently with the blockade debacle then they're wrong. Solidifying Israel makes it a little less likely that Israel will get attacked, and a little less likely that the whole area will go up in mushrooms.

On the other hand...I hope he gives us some free F-35s...'cause we sure as hell can't afford them either!! :damn:

I like the JSF. I also like supporting America's allies, although Israel already has the technology, training and firepower to defeat her regional enemies several times over. I am fine with continuing to support Israel. What I don't like is supporting an ally soley at the expense of taxpayer dollars and defense industry jobs, especially with people having the financial difficulties they have now. If they want the F-35, that is great. They can pay for it.

Definitely, I see where you're coming from there, after all, we're Americas allies and we have to pay the full whack for our F-35s. Admittedly we're not surrounded by hostile states...well, except France (:O:) but the way things are economically in the world at the moment it is a hard thing for the public to swallow. If times were better this would probably go down better.

:haha: @ the French comment.

It is hard to swallow now. However, if I had a choice of 'giving away' the F-35, to an ally, it would be the UK, not Israel. When the US is again drawn into some future conflict, it will be Great Britian standing with us, not Israel. The US-UK relationship has always proven more mutually beneficial than the US-Israeli relations; the former being bi-directional, the latter being largely uni-directional. I think that I would probably not be so vehement in my opposition to such a deal with the British, as I would probably see it as an investment in mutual security, and in the post BP affair, a step forward to repairing the strained relations with America's closest ally.

Maybe you could trade us some more bases for some F-35s. :DL

and Scotland... :O:

Can they give a couple free to us here in Australia? We promise we won't use them unless you say so.

But then again, our unemployment is at around 5%, a trade surplus now and again and a skill shortage in some areas means we can afford to pay! Just hope it doesn't drag on like the F-111 did!

Australia has been standing with you as well, even when the Brits didn't make it in large numbers(Vietnam). But Australia can be hostile to England, just wait till the Ashes!

You're right. I, and too many Americans, overlook the achievements and aid of our Aussie allies. I am sorry for that.

:o Just 20 planes costing almost 3 billion :dead:

20 planes are nothing just one squadron . . . . .

F35 better be strategic weapon system than tactical one . . .for the price tag . . .

No offense taken, It is easy to overlook others who many not be there in large numbers or from more distant places, but still play part part like many others:)

WTF?!

Don't forget Egypt also gets about $1.3 Billion of FREE U.S. military aid every year, a little bonus Israel and Egypt receive for having signed a peace treaty in 1979.

Simpsons did it.... :D